Plant materials are primarily made up of three main types of biopolymer: cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose. In the ongoing biofuels research at Risø-DTU hemicelluloses are generated as by-products from bioethanol production. This project involves studies of these compounds as well as commercial hemicelluloses in the design of new composite materials.

Purpose

Alternative, sustainable sources of materials to supply the needs of society in the coming decades are much needed at present as the world becomes increasingly aware of the limited nature of fossil fuels. In response to this situation, lignocellulosic biomass which is widely available from trees, grasses, cereals and other plants, has become the main focus of the developing biorefining industry. Plant materials are primarily made up of three main types of biopolymer: cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose and, of these polymers, cellulose and lignin have received by far the most attention in terms of material applications. While cellulose has a unique structure, the term hemicellulose is used to describe a number of non-crystalline hexose and pentose sugars. Hemicellulose is a by-product in the ongoing biofuels research at Risø-DTU and there is an interest in exploring higher value uses for these materials. This project involves studies of these compounds as well as commercial hemicelluloses in combination with other biopolymers.

Description

Hemicelluloses are hydrophilic in nature and films produced from these materials are generally hygroscopic resulting in poor properties in environments with high humidity. Combining hemicellulose with other component to form composites or polymer blends is a way of circumventing these problems. In this project we wish to combine hemicelluloses with other biopolymers and/or nanoparticles to form films with reduced water permeability.

Qualifications

Knowledge of polymer chemistry and technology and/or materials science as well as minimum a basic knowledge of organic chemistry more specifically (poly)saccharides.

Project form

Final year project

Subjects

Chemistry Materials

Duration